MacArthur Park could soon look a little different. On October 16, the Los Angeles Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners gave conceptual approval to a plan to install green wrought-iron fencing around the park, with gated entrances at its eight perimeter points, the L.A. Times explains.
The $2.3 million project aims to address long-standing safety and maintenance challenges while keeping the park open and accessible. City officials describe the fencing as part of a “balanced approach”, meant to create a safer and more welcoming environment without restricting public use, Urbanize reports.
The proposal builds on years of collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Mayor’s Office, and law enforcement, who have worked to improve conditions in one of the city’s most historic green spaces. Still, the final designs and a construction timeline have yet to be determined.
Wetlands project still under review
Meanwhile, a separate project remains under review. The MacArthur Park Lake Stormwater Capture Project is a $20 million initiative led by Studio-MLA. The plan would add wetlands and a new water feature to help treat urban runoff, though the environmental impact report is still pending approval.
Together, these efforts hint at a broader reimagining of MacArthur Park, one focused on restoring its beauty, improving safety, and ensuring it remains a vital gathering place for the Westlake community.